Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — 2025 Review

Overview

When Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart launched in 2021, it was hailed as a showcase of what the PlayStation 5 could do—blistering fast loading, stunning visuals, and a Pixar-level polish.

Now, in 2025, I finally sat down to see if it lives up to the reputation. Short answer: it mostly does, with a few caveats. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rift Apart remains one of the best 3D platformer-shooters available, but expectations should be adjusted for today’s gaming landscape.

Visuals & Performance

Rating: 9.5/10

Insomniac’s visuals have aged extremely well. Character models, lighting, and particle effects feel like they belong in an animated feature film.

The Performance RT mode (60 fps with ray-tracing) remains the sweet spot—delivering silky frame rates without sacrificing much graphical fidelity.

Standouts:

• Dimensional rifts look spectacular and still feel impressive even after years of SSD innovations in other games.

• Environments are diverse and richly detailed—from neon-drenched cyber cities to lush alien jungles.

• Facial animations are still among the best in the business.

Gameplay & Combat

Rating: 9/10

Rift Apart delivers the series’ signature blend of chaotic third-person shooting, platforming, and exploration.

Combat

• Weapons Variety: 20+ imaginative weapons. The Topiary Sprinkler and Negatron Collider were personal favorites.

• Weapon Feedback: Satisfying, with the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers enhancing the experience.

• Upgrade System: Encourages experimentation without punishing mistakes.

Traversal

• Rift tethering adds a fluid dimension to movement, even if it’s used more as a set-piece mechanic than a constant tool.

• Wall-running, hover boots, and gliding keep platforming dynamic.

Criticism:

While the rift mechanic was hyped as a game-changer, it’s more limited than expected. You’re not dynamically shifting entire levels—it’s mostly scripted transitions or shortcuts.

Story & Characters

Rating: 8.5/10

The narrative strikes a balance between fun and heartfelt.

Plot Summary

Ratchet and Clank must stop Dr. Nefarious from using the Dimensionator to conquer multiple realities. Their journey introduces Rivet, a new Lombax resistance fighter from an alternate dimension, and Kit, a robot with a past.

Character Highlights

• Rivet: Excellent new character with genuine emotional depth.

• Clank: Continues to ground the story with his wit and wisdom.

• Dr. Nefarious & Emperor Nefarious: Delightfully over-the-top villains.

Tone

Family-friendly but layered enough for adults. Some deeper emotional themes around loneliness, friendship, and identity give the plot more weight than expected.

Audio & Soundtrack

Rating: 8/10

• Voice Acting: Top-tier. Every character feels alive.

• Sound Design: Weapon sounds and environmental effects are immersive.

• Music: Solid orchestral score, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Image suggestion:
Screenshot of a quieter moment with ambient sounds (e.g., Rivet looking over a sunset vista).

Longevity & Replay Value

Main Story: ~12–15 hours
100% Completion: ~20–25 hours

Replay Incentives:

• Challenge Mode (New Game+) with weapon upgrades carrying over.

• Collectibles scattered across beautifully designed planets.

Criticism:
For those looking for a deep RPG or a sprawling open world, Rift Apart may feel a bit short.

How It Holds Up in 2025

Final Verdict

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart remains a must-play for PlayStation 5 owners, especially those who love vibrant action-platformers with a heartfelt story and polished gameplay.

While some aspects like the rift mechanics no longer feel revolutionary, the overall package holds up impressively. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s still a great time.

Overall Score: 8.8/10

TL;DR

✅ Stunning visuals that still impress
✅ Fun, varied combat with great weapon design
✅ Rivet and Kit are fantastic new additions
✅ Excellent DualSense implementation
➖ Rift mechanic is more scripted than revolutionary
➖ Some may find the campaign a bit short

Should you play it in 2025?
Absolutely—especially if you enjoy story-driven action games with tight gameplay and Pixar-like presentation.